Have you ever wandered down the sidewalk of sweet historic downtown Albany and looked up? Well, I have and before last May, I really didn't think much about who and what was upstairs in those beautiful old buildings.

On May 1st, Albany will host its annual Upstairs Downtown Tour and it includes a Wine Walk this year. Several downtown lofts, living spaces, and historic downtown buildings will be open for touring from 4-8pm. Marked with white balloons, this self-guided tour is quite an awesome way to spend a Friday evening. Last year was our first year attending the tour and we truly enjoyed it.

Albany was known historically as the "Hub" of the Willamette Valley and is soon renaming itself as such. Albany sits in the middle of the valley where farmer's grow corn, beans, mint, hazelnuts, and grass seed. Once known as the promised land, it's fertile soil and spring rain makes this area a farmer's dream. But, one thing many don't realize, is that Albany has four nationally registered historic districts. It also boasts the most varied collection of historic home styles in the entire state of Oregon.

Two Oregon Bed and Breakfasts in Albany, The Train House Inn and The Pfeiffer Cottage Inn can offer a glimpse into the past while offering you a place to rest your tired feet after the Upstairs Downtown Tour and Wine Walk. Go to www.albanyvisitors.com to download your self-guided walking tour map that will walk you through three of the four historic districts and then guide you back to enjoy both of the B & B's in Albany. Located in the Monteith District, these Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inns are only blocks from the downtown historic district. Included in the tour are some of Oregon's most treasured historic churches such as the Berean Christian Church just a few blocks from downtown. Many of the historic churches in Albany are open and available for touring during the summer and Christmas tours held annually.

Besides the Upstairs Downtown Tour, the Wine Walk, the B & B's, and the self-guided historic walking tour, try one or two of downtown Albany's most noted restaurants. Sybaris and Clemenza's are both on First Avenue and are owned by Chef Matt Bennet. A Northwest Bistro or American Italian cafe, your pick and Janel's pleasure as Matt's wife and business partner helps you choose the perfect wine for your entree prepared using local, fresh ingredients

A downtown tour, some wine, a couple of very welcoming B & B's, a palate pleasing supper and all smack dab in the middle of the "promised land." We'll see you May 1st as we're strolling through downtown Albany.